ANKARA: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkiye HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani said that over the past nine years, the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee has witnessed a significant factor and a strong incentive for developing bilateral relations between the two countries and continuing joint strategic coordination, thanks to the great support provided by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Turkiye HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said that, thanks to the great support that the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee has been provided with, alongside the continued joint strategic coordination, more than 100 agreements have been signed between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye over the course of nine years.
The Ambassador of Qatar to Turkiye noted that the organizing of the Supreme Strategic Committee meeting runs on several levels, pointing out the coordination between the various parties and ministries concerned with the agreements and their provisions, technically and legally, and the technical and logistical arrangements for the delegations. The two countries' foreign ministries are usually responsible for coordinating and following up on the course of negotiations related to the agreements between the various ministries and institutions concerned on both sides, he added, indicating that the diplomatic missions of both parties are working to support and enhance these efforts, and are studying, exploring and anticipating many new aspects of cooperation, which are later crystallized to become a tangible reality.
He highlighted the importance of holding the 10th meeting of the committee in Ankara, which will include a bilateral meeting between the leaderships of the two countries, followed by a meeting of the delegations of the two sides, during which the new agreements will be signed.
The meeting's agenda is expected to include discussions on some topics of mutual interest and prominent regional issues, in addition to topics related to bilateral relations between the two countries, he added, pointing out that the meeting is expected to conclude with a joint statement.
He highlighted the connection between holding this meeting and the great rapprochement between the two countries and the close ties that unite them, especially since Qatari-Turkish bilateral relations have always been characterized by their stability and solidity over the past years, despite the change in global dynamics and regional contexts.
His Excellency added that this significant annual meeting contributes to consolidating outcomes, reviewing the signed agreements, and discussing any pending items or issues between the two parties, indicating that the agreements signed therein are considered an organizational framework that ensures the success and sustainability of cooperation in various fields.In this context, theAmbassador of Qatar to Turkiye highlighted the distinguished Qatari-Turkish bilateral relations, saying that the Qatari-Turkish relations differ from other international relations in their distinction, stability and continuity, explaining that they have branched out to include all sectors at all levels, such as strategic planning, trade, economic, cultural, educational, technological, communications and other fields.
Qatar and Turkiye are linked by great cooperation in many fields and sectors, and coordination on important international and regional files, in addition to mutual visits at the level of leaders, ministers, and officials in various sectors, and multiple committees for economic, commercial and financial cooperation, joint forums and exhibitions, and efforts made by all relevant parties, His Excellency said, noting that there is no limit to how far cooperation between the two countries can go, as there is a persistent and genuine effort made by both parties to deepen cooperation and find new horizons for it.
He also noted the level of trade exchange between the two countries, which amounted to nearly $1.26 billion in 2023, with continuous efforts from both sides to increase it, especially since the economic and trade partnership agreement signed between the two countries will enter into force soon.
He pointed to other important agreements that will have an impact on developing and sustaining economic relations, and making joint investment more attractive to both parties, such as the Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaty, which was signed in 2017, and the Free Zones agreement, in addition to the first ministerial meeting of the joint economic and financial committee, between the two countries' ministries of finance, which is expected to be held soon.
On the other hand, he pointed out that Turkiye is full of promising potential opportunities, noting that the Turkish side is making great efforts to attract and organize investments. In this context, he commended the great progress achieved by Turkiye in its economic and trade relations with Gulf countries as well as the agreements signed along these relations.
Sheikh Mohammedconsidered these relations as significant steps from both sides, especially after the first round of trade negotiations between Turkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which was held on July 31, 2024 and the 15th Arab-Turkish Economic Forum, which was held in October in Istanbul.
All these events, forums and committees contribute to deepening the trade and economic ties between not only the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye, but also the GCC countries and the Republic of Turkiye in general, he added.The Ambassador of Qatar to Turkiye concluded his interview with QNA by addressing the new investments or joint projects undergoing study between the two countries, noting that Qatar is always open to more cooperation and projects with the Turkish side. Turkiye is one of the most preferred options for Qatari investors, he added, pointing out that there are many projects that are undergoing study by both parties, related to either the private or public sector.